Many states, counties and municipal governments are turning to legislation targeting specific breeds (i.e., breed-specific legislation) as an answer to dog attacks. With House Bill 189 and Senate Bill 372, which would lift the current ban on breed-specific legislation for local governments, Florida is considering such legislation.

While supporters of these types of provisions argue that the only way to reduce dog bites is to eradicate “dangerous breeds” from the community, there is little evidence that breed-specific legislation works.

It is not specific breeds that are dangerous, but specific situations that create dangerous dogs. All dogs can attack, regardless of their size or breed. Further, many cities have repealed their breed-specific legislation due to enforcement costs, which can be prohibitively high.

To be effective in preventing dog bites, laws must address dangerous behavior, not so-called dangerous breeds!

Florida has always recognized this — which is why there is currently a ban on breed-specific legislation for local governments in place. Don’t let the state slide backwards by allowing HB 189 and SB 372 to pass!

Learn more about HB 189 and SB372 and ask your representative to oppose them!